The princess games

Welcome to paradise

*Charlie*

As we step onto the ferry, the salty breeze sweeps over us, carrying with it the scent of adventure and about a hundred different designer perfumes from all the women boarding.

I can’t help but watch the other women. Arabella told me there was an age limit of 30, which rubs me a bit wrongly to be honest. If she had told me there was a demand of being pretty too I would have believed it, everyone here looks like they stepped of a tv show or something, even if they are very different at the same time.

The ferry rocks gently beneath our feet as it leaves the harbour, and I clutch the rail, the ocean stretching out before us, a vast expanse of shimmering blue.

“Look at those… there in the waves… Dolphins!” Nia shouts, her voice almost drowned out by the sound of the engine, but her excitement is infectious. I can’t help but smile as I watch her lean over the side of the ferry, her hair whipping in the breeze. Tessa joins her, and they start snapping photos, capturing every moment of the animals playfully following the ferry.

Arabella stands at the front, her silhouette framed against the horizon, and I can’t help but admire her confidence. She’s always been the one who draws people in, the life of the party.

I take a deep breath, letting the salty air fill my lungs, and I feel the weight of my worries lift, if only for a moment, telling myself to worry less.

The ferry ride whisks us across the water, and as we draw closer to the island, I can see the outline of luxurious buildings rising majestically against the sky. It’s like something out of a dream… a sprawling resort that blends seamlessly with the lush greenery surrounding it. My heart races as we approach the dock, and I can’t wait to explore every inch of this paradise.

When we finally disembark, the island greets us with open arms. The sun hangs high in the sky, bathing everything in a golden glow. I’m immediately struck by the vibrant colors…

the exotic flowers blooming in bold reds, yellows, and purples, the emerald green palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and the bright blue pools that glisten like jewels scattered across the resort.

“Welcome to paradise!” Arabella exclaims, throwing her arms wide as if to embrace the entire island. I can’t help but laugh at her exuberance, but deep down, I share her sentiment. This place is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

As we make our way through the resort, I notice the stunning architecture of the buildings. They resemble grand cabins, three stories tall with wooden beams and expansive terraces. Each cabin is adorned with intricate carvings, and I can only imagine what the interiors look like. I’m filled with a sense of wonder, eager to discover what lies beyond the doors.

“Over there!” Nia points excitedly, and I follow her gaze to a massive pool that looks like a water park. Slides twist and turn, and I take myself in thinking that there should be kids here, laughing and having fun..

“Can we please go check it out after we drop off our bags?” Tessa pleads, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.

“Of course! But first, let’s get settled,” Arabella replies, already striding toward the reception area where a handsome servant stands, ready to assist us. He is impeccably dressed, a welcoming smile on his face, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. This is the kind of experience I’ve only read about in magazines.

“Arabella Lancaster,” she declares with a flourish, and I watch as the man nods, his demeanor professional and attentive. He retrieves a set of keys from a polished counter, and I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. What awaits us in our suite?

“Follow me,” the servant says, motioning for a couple of other servants to grab our bags. To be honest I guess this is how it feel to be a celebrity or royalty.

In moments, we’re loaded into a golf cart, the driver expertly navigating the winding paths that lead us deeper into the resort. I can hardly contain my excitement as we pass by more stunning pools, each one more extravagant than the last. There are small green oases with lazy cats sprawled out in the sun, soaking in the warmth. I can’t help but think that they’re living the life I’ve always dreamed of.

Finally, the golf cart stops in front of our cabin, and I step out, feeling weird to have someone else handling my luggage. The interior is just as beautiful as I had imagined… wooden beams, large windows, and a spacious balcony that overlooks the ocean. The waiter hands us the keys, and I feel a thrill run through me as I unlock the door.

Basically everything about our suite takes my breath away. The living area is airy and bright, decorated with plush furniture and vibrant artwork that reflects the island’s culture. I can see a small kitchenette, and I imagine the late-night snacks we’ll share. There are two bedrooms, each with a kingsize bed and its own bathroom.

“Wow,” Tessa breathes, her eyes wide. “This is incredible!”

“It’s more than I could have ever hoped for,” I add, feeling a warmth spread through me. There’s a sense of belonging here, a feeling that I’m finally stepping into my own skin.

“Let’s drop our bags and head to the pool!” Arabella exclaims, already tossing her suitcase onto the nearest bed and opening it to look for her bikini. I laugh at her enthusiasm, feeling my own excitement bubbling up once more.

We quickly stow away our belongings, and within minutes, we’re are all struggling to get into our swim clothes.